http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1901 Search the Channel search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/simple-search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1945 Title: Melatonin treatment prevents modulation of cell-mediated immune response induced by propoxur in rats <br/> <br/>Authors: Suke, Sanvidhan G; Pathak, Rahul; Ahmed, Rafat S; Tripathi, A K; Banerjee, B D <br/> <br/>Abstract: The effect of melatonin, a major secretory product of the pineal gland, in attenuation of propoxur (2-isopropoxy phenyl N-methyl carbamate)-induced modulation of cell- mediated immune (CMI) response was studied in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were exposed to propoxur (a widely used pesticide) orally (10 mg/kg) and/or melatonin (10 mg/kg) orally for 4 weeks. CMI was measured by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), leucocyte and macrophage migration inhibition (LMI and MMI) responses and estimation of cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ levels. Rats exposed to propoxur for 4 weeks showed significant decrease in DTH, LMI and MMI responses. Propoxur also suppressed TNF-α and IFN-γ production significantly. Administration of melatonin alone caused a significant increase in DTH response. Although there were no changes in the LMI and MMI response, the cytokine levels were significantly increased, as compared to control. Co-administration of melatonin along with propoxur significantly nullified the effect of the pesticide on the CMI response, except DTH and reversed levels of cytokines to near control/normal values. Thus, melatonin treatment considerably attenuated immunomodulation caused by sub-chronic treatment of propoxur in experimental animals. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 278-281 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1944 Title: Functional characterization of sll0659 from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 <br/> <br/>Authors: Liang, Cheng-Wei; Zhang, Xiao-Wen; Tian, Li; Qin, Song <br/> <br/>Abstract: Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacks a gene for the any known types of lycopene cyclase. Recently, we reported that Sll0659 (unknown for its function) from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 shows similarity in sequence to a lycopene cyclase gene—CruA from Chlorobium tepidum. To test, whether sll0659 encoded protein serves as lycopene cyclase, in this study, we investigated the carotenoids of the wild types and mutants. In the sll0659 deleted mutant, there is no blockage at the lycopene cyclization step. Our results demonstrate that sll0659 does not affect lycopene cycilzation. However, the ultrastructure of mutants suggests the involvement or necessity of sll0659 in the cell division. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 275-277 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1943 Title: Harmful effects of 41 and 202 MHz radiations on some body parts and tissues <br/> <br/>Authors: Kumar, Vijay; Vats, R P; Pathak, P P <br/> <br/>Abstract: Many types of invisible electromagnetic waves are produced in our atmosphere. When these radiations penetrate our body, electric fields are induced inside the body, resulting in the absorption of power, which is different for different body parts and also depends on the frequency of radiations. Higher power absorption may result into health problems. In this communication, effects of electromagnetic waves (EMW) of 41 and 202 MHz frequencies transmitted by the TV tower have been studied on skin, muscles, bone and fat of human. Using international standards for safe exposure limits of specific absorption rate (SAR), we have found the safe distance from TV transmission towers for two frequencies. It is suggested that transmission towers should be located away from the thickly populated areas and people should keep away from the transmission towers, as they radiate electromagnetic radiations that are harmful to some parts/tissues of body. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 269-274 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1942 Title: Non-invasive assessment of oxidative capacity in young Indian men and women: A ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopy study <br/> <br/>Authors: Rana, Poonam; Varshney, Aruna; Devi, M Memita; Kumar, Pawan; Khushu, Subash <br/> <br/>Abstract: It is generally assumed that men display greater strength and muscle capacity than women. However, previous biochemical and histological studies have shown that men have greater capacity for anaerobic metabolism and women have higher or similar oxidative metabolism. Therefore, in the present study, we estimated oxidative capacity of gastrocnemius muscle and compared in Indian men and women using non-invasive in vivo ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Healthy subjects (8 young males and 9 females, age-matched) performed plantar flexion exercise within a magnet and MRS measurements of inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine (PCr), ADP, and pH of the calf muscles were carried out using a 1.5 T whole-body MRI system. PCr values during recovery were fitted to an exponential curve, and oxidative capacity was calculated using rate constant (kPCr), as an index of oxidative phosphorylation. When men and women were compared for different metabolic ratios, ADP, pH, kPCr and oxidative capacity, all parameters turned out to be statistically insignificant. The results showed no gender effect on skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. The study demonstrated the usefulness of such non-invasive method to indirectly measure the oxidative capacity of the muscle based on PCr recovery <br/> <br/>Page(s): 263-268 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:58:59 GMT